Klarinet Archive - Posting 000467.txt from 1996/02

From: Bill Fogle <bfogle@-----.EDU>
Subj: conditioning reeds by soaking
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 15:58:14 -0500

Jacqueline---

I've seen this "soak 'em first" wisdom posted here a couple of times.
I've always wanted to ask: don't you find the reeds warp and the tips go
wacky when you put them through this wet-to-dry-to-wet cycle? My latest
vision for reed longevity is the idea of "minimizing" extreme humidity
swings. I've actually had some exciting success lately by controlling
humidity with damp paper towels in my reed holder and stuff (no I don't
sell reed holders! Promise!).

I'd be interested in hearing your experiences.

******************************
Bill Fogle
Washington, DC
bfogle@-----.edu
******************************
I usually soak & dry them
for a couple of days WITHOUT playing on them before I will even try them
out. Seems to work better.

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu